Tag: foot traffic

Sacramento events boost local businesses with increased foot traffic

Sacramento is bustling with visitors as major events like Aftershock draw crowds, boosting local businesses and generating more than $35 million in economic impact over four days. Michael Gray, a downtown business owner, said, the energy downtown is palpable, and businesses are feeling the impact. “We’re fully booked. Booked again last night, and foot traffic up and down K Street has been really good,” said Gray. Three major events are happening on Saturday: Aftershock, the West Coast’s largest rock, punk, and metal festival; a Stevie Nicks concert at Golden 1 Center; and a Sac Republic FC match. For local restaurants like Angel Maya’s on Bercut Drive, the increased foot traffic means booming business. “Aftershock—it just completely changed it. It brought a whole bunch of people in here,” said Maya. City officials report that these events are generating one of the biggest economic impacts of the year. Back downtown, Gray noted that the weekend crowd is lifting more than just sales. “The events bring people here, and as long as we’re doing a good job, it’s elevating us as a downtown restaurant,” Gray said. As Sacramento continues to grow, so do the hopes of local business owners. “As Sacramento continues to grow, all the local businesses will grow as well,” said Gray.Maya shared her enthusiasm for more events, stating, “I really want more festivals or something—because it brings in a lot more business for us.”

Sacramento is bustling with visitors as major events like Aftershock draw crowds, boosting local businesses and generating more than $35 million in economic impact over four days.

Michael Gray, a downtown business owner, said, the energy downtown is palpable, and businesses are feeling the impact.

“We’re fully booked. Booked again last night, and foot traffic up and down K Street has been really good,” said Gray.

Three major events are happening on Saturday: Aftershock, the West Coast’s largest rock, punk, and metal festival; a Stevie Nicks concert at Golden 1 Center; and a Sac Republic FC match.

For local restaurants like Angel Maya’s on Bercut Drive, the increased foot traffic means booming business.

“Aftershock—it just completely changed it. It brought a whole bunch of people in here,” said Maya.

City officials report that these events are generating one of the biggest economic impacts of the year.

Back downtown, Gray noted that the weekend crowd is lifting more than just sales.

“The events bring people here, and as long as we’re doing a good job, it’s elevating us as a downtown restaurant,” Gray said.

As Sacramento continues to grow, so do the hopes of local business owners.

“As Sacramento continues to grow, all the local businesses will grow as well,” said Gray.

Maya shared her enthusiasm for more events, stating, “I really want more festivals or something—because it brings in a lot more business for us.”

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October 4, 2025
‘They just don’t come’: What’s making L.A.’s tourism tumble

Months of negative news have triggered a tough summer for tourism in Los Angeles, deepening the economic woes for a city buffeted by natural disasters and immigration raids.

Tourist arrivals fell by close to 10% this season, according to the latest numbers from Visit California.

The region’s economy and image suffered significant setbacks this year. Shocking images of the destructive Eaton and Palisades fires in January, followed by the immigration crackdown in June, made global news and repelled visitors. Meanwhile, President Trump’s fickle tariff policies and other geopolitical posturing have convinced many international tourists to avoid America.

On Hollywood Boulevard, there are fewer tourists, and the ones who show up spend less, says Salim Osman. He works for Ride Like A Star, an exotic car company that rents to visitors looking to take a luxury vehicle for a spin and snap the quintessential L.A. selfie.

Last year, crowds lined up to rent its Ferraris and Porches for around $200 an hour, Salim says. However, this summer, foot traffic dropped by nearly 50%.

“It used to be shoulder to shoulder out here,” he said, looking along the boulevard. “It’s a lot harder for people to come here, or they’re afraid of what’s going on here, so they just don’t come.”

Business has been slow around the TCL Chinese Theater, where visitors place their hands into the concrete handprints of celebrities like Kristen Stewart and Denzel Washington.

There were fewer people to hop onto sightseeing buses, stop inside Madame Tussauds wax museum and snap impromptu photos with patrolling characters such as Spiderman and Mickey Mouse. Souvenir shops nearby say they have also had to increase the prices of many of their knick-knacks because of tariffs and a decline in sales.

Of all the state’s international travelers, the most significant absence was from Canadian tourists. Arrivals from visitors from up north fell around 30% in June and July.

Summer in Palm Springs was okay this year, said its mayor, Ron deHarte, but only because domestic tourists offset the sharp decline in Canadians.

“We’ve hurt our Canadian Friends with actions that the administration has taken. It’s understandable,” he said. “We don’t know how long they won’t want to travel to the States, but we’re hopeful that it is short-term.”

A view of travelers at Long Beach Airport in Long Beach. Long Beach Airport saw a 10.5% decrease in passenger traffic when compared to 2024.

(Allen J. Schaben/Los Angeles Times)

Visitors from China, India and Germany also avoided the state. Surprisingly, Mexican tourists didn’t stay away. There were 5.4% more arrivals from our southern neighbor despite the ICE raids, which often targeted Latino people.

There was a dip in traffic to most Los Angeles airports. With the World Cup on the books for next year and the Summer Olympics gearing up in 2028, the growing decline in tourism is worrisome for many across all industries.

Cynthia Guidry, the director of the Long Beach Airport, says reduced airline schedules, economic pressures and rising costs also impacted airport traffic. She’s currently seeking out ways to best prepare for the Olympics, which don’t involve flight revenue, such as dining at the airport and souvenir shopping.

“We’re focused on attracting new service, growing non-aeronautical revenue and managing expenses to stay resilient,” she said.

Many of the state’s most prominent attractions are also experiencing dry spells. Yosemite reported a decrease of as much as 50% in bookings ahead of Memorial Day weekend.

Dennis Speigel, president of International Theme Park Services, a consulting firm in the industry, says that this past year has been a “soft year” for most theme parks nationwide.

The “Forever Marilyn” statue towers over visitors who attend the weekly Palm Springs Villagefest along Museum Way.

(Genaro Molina/Los Angeles Times)

There have been fewer international visitors and more domestic traffic, as more people are embracing the idea of staycations, or spending their holidays closer to home.

“People in the locales where the parks are stayed in their areas,” he said, adding that this summer people stayed home because of “the general economy, the media, the tariffs, the confusion and the uncertainty that came with that.”

Los Angeles and California depend on tourism.

Last year, the state’s tourism hit a new high, with visitors spending $157.3 billion, up 3% from 2023, and creating 24,000 jobs, according to a 2024 economic impact report from Visit California.

“Los Angeles is California’s primary international gateway; the impacts are felt statewide,” Adam Burke, president of Los Angeles Tourism, said in a statement to The Times. “Looking ahead, long-term recovery will depend on global economic conditions and how the U.S. is perceived abroad.”

Tourists walk across celebrity stars on Hollywood Boulevard in front of the Dolby Theater.

(Gina Ferazzi/Los Angeles Times)

Australian tourists Geoffrey and Tennille Mutton ignored the warnings of their friends and family to bring their two daughters to L.A.

“A lot of people have had a changed view of America,” said Geoffrey as his family enjoyed Ben & Jerry’s ice cream outside of Hollywood’s Dolby Theater. “They don’t want to come here and support this place.”

Cerys Davies

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September 29, 2025
How to Increase Foot Traffic in Your Retail Store | Entrepreneur

Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.

In today’s dynamic retail landscape, attracting and maintaining foot traffic is a critical element for the success of any brick-and-mortar store. The challenge is not only about increasing the number of visitors but also about ensuring that these visitors convert into loyal customers.

As consumers seek to shop across multiple channels, physical stores must find innovative ways to captivate audiences and create memorable in-store experiences. This article explores key strategies to boost retail foot traffic, drawing inspiration from a valuable source of insights.

Related: Why Brick and Mortar Is Here to Stay

The power of visual merchandising

An attractive storefront can draw potential customers inside your retail establishment. Utilizing captivating window displays and strategically positioned merchandise can pique the curiosity of passersby and entice them to explore your store further. Moreover, frequently updating displays can keep your store looking fresh and engaging.

The potential of in-store events

Creating a sense of community and belonging is a potent tool to bolster foot traffic. Hosting in-store events can achieve this goal effectively. From workshops and product demonstrations to launch parties and local artist showcases, numerous ways exist to bring people into your store and foster a sense of connection. Such events not only increase foot traffic on the day but also generate buzz and word-of-mouth marketing in the community.

Related: The Rise of Click and Mortar — Why Online Businesses Should Consider Opening a Physical Store

Mastering the art of customer engagement

Every interaction with a customer can be a potential opportunity to convert them into a loyal patron. There is significance in engaging with customers by offering personalized experiences. Implementing a robust customer relationship management system (CRM) can help retailers gather insights about their customers’ preferences and shopping habits. Armed with this data, stores can provide personalized recommendations, discounts, and incentives that entice customers to return.

Creating an omnichannel shopping experience

In the digital age, the line between online and offline shopping is blurring. Integrating online and offline channels can be retailers’ game-changers. A seamless omni-channel shopping experience allows customers to browse online, make in-store purchases, or even order online for in-store pickup. By offering multiple touchpoints, retailers can cater to the preferences of a diverse customer base and ensure they can shop in a way that suits them best.

Amplifying social media presence

Social media has become an indispensable tool for retailers to engage with their audience and drive foot traffic. Retailers can leverage platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and X (formerly Twitter) to showcase their products, share customer testimonials, and announce special promotions. Engaging content and customer interactions can build a loyal online following that translates into increased in-store visits.

Embracing loyalty programs

Loyalty programs are a tried-and-tested method to boost foot traffic and keep customers returning for more. By offering rewards, discounts, or exclusive access to events, retailers can incentivize repeat visits and build a loyal customer base. These programs also allow retailers to collect valuable data on customer behavior, helping tailor offerings to individual preferences.

Related: 5 Proven Customer Loyalty Programs That Pay Actually Off

Perfecting store layout and customer flow

The layout and flow of a retail store play a pivotal role in shaping the customer experience. A well-thought-out layout can encourage customers to explore different sections of the store and discover new products. It’s essential to create a welcoming and intuitive store environment that makes it easy for customers to navigate and find what they need. Regularly evaluating and optimizing the store layout can lead to increased foot traffic and higher sales.

Staying in tune with trends

Retail is an ever-evolving industry, and staying ahead of trends is essential for sustained success. Retailers should stay informed about industry trends, technology advancements and consumer preferences. By adapting to changing market dynamics and embracing innovation, retailers can position themselves as leaders in their niche and attract a discerning customer base.

The success of a physical retail store hinges on its ability to attract and retain foot traffic. By implementing the tactics discussed, retailers can employ a range of strategies to achieve this objective. From the visual appeal of the storefront to the integration of online and offline channels and from engaging in-store events to personalized customer experiences, each of these strategies contributes to a holistic approach to increasing retail foot traffic.

As the retail landscape evolves, adaptability and innovation will be the keys to thriving in this competitive environment. By consistently implementing these strategies and keeping a finger on the pulse of changing consumer preferences, retailers can ensure that their stores remain vibrant, relevant, and enticing to a growing base of loyal customers.

Ana Wight

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November 20, 2023
Photos: A sequel to the first ArroyoFest, held 20 years ago

A rare occurrence unfolded Sunday morning on the Arroyo Seco Parkway: No cars were allowed.

Instead, the stretch of the 110 Freeway that snakes its way through South Pasadena and Northeast Los Angeles — usually crammed with motorists — was people-powered and reserved for pedestrians, bicyclists and anyone else who wanted to explore the area from a new perspective.

The celebration known as 626 Golden Streets ArroyoFest is a sequel to the first ArroyoFest, held 20 years ago.

Hosted by Active San Gabriel Valley and presented by Metro, the free, family-friendly event shut down six miles of the freeway and local streets from 7 to 11 a.m. Pedestrians and bicyclists took over the roads, similar to the open-streets concept behind the car-free CicLAvia events. The emphasis for ArroyoFest is on foot traffic and allowing people to explore the neighborhoods of Lincoln Heights, Cypress Park, Highland Park, Hermon, South Pasadena and Pasadena.

Thousands of bicyclists, rollerbladers, skateboarders, walkers and runners enjoy the Arroyo Seco Parkway (110 Freeway) during 626 Golden Streets ArroyoFest, a sequel to the first ArroyoFest held 20 years ago.

(Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times)

People enjoy the route by foot and on bike at ArroyoFest, in which the 110 Freeway — the historic Arroyo Seco Parkway — was closed off to cars from roughly its connection with Interstate 5 to its terminus in Pasadena.

(Dania Maxwell / Los Angeles Times)

Thousands traverse the Arroyo Seco Parkway (110 Freeway) during ArroyoFest, a sequel to the first such event held 20 years ago.

(Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times)

Rollerbladers Jenny Renderos, left, of Panorama City and Veronica Rico of Pacoima pose for a photo in the middle of the 110 Freeway during 626 Golden Streets ArroyoFest.

(Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times)

An aerial early morning view of the participants in ArroyoFest, which shut down six miles of the 110 Freeway to automotive traffic. The first ArroyoFest was held 20 years ago.

(Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times)

Alex Trepanier, 35, rides his pennyfarthing, the same bike he rode 20 years ago at ArroyoFest when he was a teenager.

(Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times)

Allen J. Schaben, Dania Maxwell

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October 29, 2023